U21S: TOWN 0-1 PALACE

Bishop, Bialkowski and Malarczyk all come through 90 minutes but Development side are defeated by the Eagles at Playford Road

A goal ten minutes from time was enough to see Crystal Palace U21s defeat Town at Playford Road this afternoon.

Striker Jake Gray headed past Bartosz Bialkowski late in the game to seal the three points, in a game which offered little in terms of goalmouth action.

Teddy Bishop played the full 90 minutes for Mark Kennedy’s side on his return from injury, although he couldn’t help Town find a route to goal with Josh Emmanuel coming the closest to doing so with an effort in the first-half.

Emmanuel was denied by Palace ‘keeper Kleton Perntreou early in the game, as his shot from the edge of the box was beaten clear after some good work from Alex Henshall on the left wing.

It was to be the sole clear chance for either side in the opening 45 minutes, although ‘keeper, Bialkowski was called into action early in the second-half, as he saved well firstly from Gray after the striker had sped through on goal, and secondly from Aaron Bissakki but the Pole stood firm to keep it goalless.

The returning Bishop looked eager to create something for the hosts, as he flashed a shot over the bar from just outside the box with an hour played, but it was as close as he, and Town, came to grabbing a goal in the second period.

With the game looking as though it was going to finish as a stalemate, Palace managed to get the decisive goal as Connor Dymond headed a Zeki Fryers cross back across goal, and Gray nipped in ahead of Bialkowski to head into the net, giving his side all three points.